Er. Zarrir Bhandara shares timeless nuggets of wisdom from our Zoroastrian religion, exploring its spiritual insights, ethical teachings and relevance in today’s world. Whether drawn from the Gathas, sacred traditions, or the lived experiences of the Zoroastrian community, each piece of wisdom serves as a guiding light in the journey of life, continuing to inspire and illuminate. In our exclusive column, ‘Pearls Of Wisdom’, Er. Zarrir Bhandara answers your queries, shedding light on the enduring relevance of Zoroastrian wisdom for us all.

Q: Dear Er. Zarrir, as the holy Muktad days approach, I seek clarity on the prayers of our departed family members: How many years do we have to have the prayers done in the agiary by priests? For how long do we pray Satum in their memory? Do we have a rebirth in our religion, is it mentioned in our prayers about it? If the soul takes a rebirth and we keep praying for that person’s earlier birth, is that right? (Mona Sakloth, Mumbai)

Er. Zarrir: Dear Mona, it is always a pleasure to hear from readers in Mumbai, especially the earnest young minds seeking to understand the deeper tenets of our glorious religion. Here are the traditional explanations for your queries, keeping in mind the upcoming holy days of the Muktad.

Number of years for having prayers done in the Agiary

Traditionally, liturgical prayers and Afringan/Farokshi ceremonies are performed in the agiary (Fire Temple) for the soul of the departed on designated days: on the third day (Uthamna), the 10^th day, the monthly anniversaries (Mahino), and annually on the death anniversary (Rojgar).

For the first year, it is customary to have regular prayers offered on these significant days to help the soul navigate its spiritual journey. Beyond the first year, families continue to offer prayers and sponsor Afringan ceremonies annually on the Rojgar (anniversary) and during the sacred 10 days of the Muktad (Hamaspathmahem Gah) every year, for as long as loved ones wish to remember and honor them. There is no strict expiration on love and remembrance; praying for the departed is an act of eternal gratitude.

Praying Satum in their memory

The Satum no Kardo is a beautiful prayer of remembrance, gratitude, and offering of sustenance to the Fravashis (guardian spirits) of our ancestors. Traditionally, the Satum is recited daily in the home for the first 30 days following a passing. Thereafter, it is customary to continue praying Satum on auspicious days, monthly anniversaries, Rojgar days, and most importantly, during the annual Muktad days. Many families also maintain the practice of reciting Satum before meals on sacred days (like the Parab days or monthly Roj days) as a continuous token of love for generations past.

About Rebirth and our prayers…

Unlike Eastern philosophies that emphasize a continuous, physical cycle of reincarnation (samsara), Zoroastrianism’s primary eschatology focuses on the linear journey of the soul toward ultimate perfection (Frashokereti).

However, ancient Avestan and Pahlavi texts do touch upon spiritual evolution and the progression of the soul. While standard daily prayers do not explicitly outline a doctrine of physical rebirth, our philosophy recognizes that the soul (Urvan) continues its spiritual evolution across realms. The ultimate goal is not to return endlessly to the material world, but to progress through higher spiritual planes until it achieves union with Ahura Mazda.

Even within traditions that contemplate the evolution or transition of souls, prayers offered in love and sincerity are never wasted. When we pray during the Muktad or on anniversary days, our prayers are directed to the Fravashi (the divine essence or guardian spirit) of the departed. The Fravashi of a righteous person is eternal, divine, and exists in the spiritual realm assisting creation. Therefore, whether we contemplate the soul’s journey in higher realms or its continued spiritual evolution, honoring our ancestors through prayer strengthens the spiritual bond of the entire lineage (nar or family tree) and invokes blessings upon the living as well.

A Special Note During The Holy Muktad Days

As the holy Muktad days approach, we are reminded that these ten days are the most sacred period of the Zoroastrian calendar. During this time, the Fravashis of our departed ancestors descend from the spiritual realm to visit their earthly homes where they once lived.

It is our duty to welcome them with clean homes, burning loban (frankincense), fresh flowers, and pure well water. More than physical offerings, they look for clean minds, loving hearts, and families living in righteousness (Asha). When we pray for them, they in turn intercede and bestow their powerful blessings of health, peace, and prosperity upon us.

May Ahura Mazda guide and enlighten our understanding, and keep us all always under His divine protection!

(Er. Zarrir Bhandara is the Head Priest of the Zoroastrian Association of California Atash Kadeh and is a beacon of compassion with encyclopaedic knowledge on our Zoroastrian religion and scriptures. Readers are encouraged to mail in their queries to Er. Zarrir Bhandara at: zbhandara@gmail.com )